San Diego Series: Petco Park

Whether you're a baseball fan or not, catching a game at the San Diego Padres' Petco Park is about the experience. The 10-year-old ballpark that juxtaposes modern architecture with notable San Diego buildings is situated in the historic Gaslamp district in the heart of downtown San Diego. Not only does the restaurant and bar social scene around the ballpark lend itself to the ballpark experience, but the frivolity lives inside the park- whether your team is winning or losing. All seats are angled toward home plate. The variety of food and drink vendors is fantastic. Spacious walk ways around the stadium provide open views to the field from most everywhere. And, no joke, breezes from the San Diego Bay keep temperatures comfortable (if not chilly in some parts!) no matter where you sit. Even the restrooms are clean! It is a ball game experience you won't want to miss.

Locals' tips: Grab seats on the Toyota Terrace Level. Access to this level of the stadium opens up a whole world of restaurants, bars, and sweeping San Diego views you can't access from other levels. Take time to walk around the ballpark, check out the relaxing public grass area, and kids running the bases on the mini baseball diamond. You're exposed to the elements here so bring your sunscreen for day games and dress warm for night games. If driving into downtown, the Tailgate Parking Lot on Imperial Ave. and 13th St. provides easy in and out freeway access. Take the Petco Park tour. It runs everyday rain or shine at 10:30am and 12:30pm (with an additional 2:30pm on Saturdays). For $11, the 80 minute tour explores the park's features, suites, clubhouses and field level. Even the dugouts.